World-leading brands do not appear by accident. They are built on deep consumer and category understanding. They align their values and heritage with audiences’ passions. But staying ahead of the pack requires regular reinvention; it means going beyond core business functions, blazing new trails that set industry pace and doing so with unimpeachable consistency.
Carefully balancing heritage and innovation is a core tenet of Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages’ brand-building philosophy – as shown by the global success of S.Pellegrino, the world’s leading sparkling water brand, and by their multi-year investment in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy. We sat down with Michel Beneventi, Global Head of International Brands at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages, to get some insights into the thinking behind this investment and what is coming next for the brand.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy was founded in 2015 to identify and nurture the next generation of fine dining talent. First and foremost, it is an international community aimed at engaging young chefs and the most influential and representative members of the gastronomic world, creating an inclusive, global network of professionals. Within S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, there is a biennial global competition, supported by year-round activities in development, networking, and mentorship. “By empowering the next generation of culinary talent, we aim to create a ripple effect across the entire fine dining landscape,” explains Beneventi. “A decade on since its inception, with a vibrant community of 3,000 chefs, that vision has been magnificently validated.”
“With the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, by empowering the next generation of culinary talent, we aim to create a ripple effect across the entire fine dining landscape.” – Michel Beneventi, Global Head of International Brands at Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages.
Academy chefs now hail from 55 countries. And the results are clear. After taking the competition title in 2023, for example, Nelson Freitas undertook a four-week residency at Central in Lima – widely celebrated as one of the world’s most influential dining rooms – going on to join the restaurant’s team. Beneventi argues that such clear career acceleration for top young chefs reflects the “measurable impact” at S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy’s heart. “And for S.Pellegrino, it profoundly reinforces our premium positioning. By authentically embedding ourselves in the fine dining culture and championing its future, we strengthen our iconicity and build advocacy where it matters most.”
Cultural connectedness, S.Pellegrino and the Young Chef Academy
Core to the success of S.Pellegrino and S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is the idea of cultural connectedness. As Beneventi points out, this connectedness does not come from “chasing trends.” S.Pellegrino’s standing in restaurants gives it the cultural clout to host the biennial competition; the Academy takes this further, focusing on the people who will write the next chapter of culinary history.
For Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages, it reflects a wider philosophy; the company has turned its brands into watchwords for exceptional experiences across the sector. Perrier’s involvement with 50 Best Bars, and S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna’s work on 50 Best Restaurants are other examples.
“They embed our iconic brands, like S.Pellegrino, within the very culture of fine dining, ensuring that every pour reinforces our premium positioning and deepens the emotional connection with customers.”
The road ahead
The culinary world is constantly evolving. The coming years will demand widened access and slashed waste – all while upholding ever-rising standards.
This is why S.Pellegrino’s long-term investment is so critical. The brand can work with S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy to ride the wave of change; it has already been doing so for the past ten years. The Academy’s community will continue to grow, in depth as well as breadth, with S.Pellegrino’s support.
“S.Pellegrino has a long and storied history,” affirms Beneventi. “But S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy is one of the ways we actively evolve. It’s a platform for championing the hospitality industry’s vital imperatives of responsibility, inclusivity, and innovation. Nurturing talent globally equips Academy members with the tools to shape a more inspiring culinary world.”
One sure test for any initiative of this kind is whether it leaves the scene stronger. By that measure, the Academy has more than met its brief. It has built a global network of chefs who share knowledge and ambition, created ladders for talent and given restaurants a fresh pipeline of ideas. “By continuing to invest, we create shared value, foster genuine relationships, and ensure our iconic brands remain relevant as we inspire and elevate the world of gastronomy,” concludes Beneventi. The next decade for S.Pellegrino and the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy promises to be as exciting as the last; leading culinary brands should take note.
